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First Peek: Photos of downtown Sanford’s new bbq restaurant

The much anticipated opening of the new barbecue restaurant in downtown Sanford is closer to reality, and it looks like it will be quite an impressive space.

As The Bokey first reported two years ago (BBQ joint planned for 2nd and Park), the restaurant will be located in the old bus terminal/gas station located on the northwest corner of 2nd Street and Park Avenue. But renovating an historic building into a modern restaurant is just part of the overall project.

Crews from Geneva Construction Co. have created an entranceway from the restaurant into the space next door at 118 S. Park Ave., which locals will remember as the Emerald Hen Irish Pub and later the Black Swan Tavern. Workers also removed part of the wall between 118 S. Park Ave. and The Alley (website | Facebook). What was once three separate spaces will now be one large entertainment and restaurant venue.

The Alley already has a well-earned reputation as the best live blues venue in Central Florida. Add some kick-ass barbecue and The Alley will soon be a very popular place.

Below are some photos of the work in progress.

Click photos to enlarge

Standing near the entrance and looking west at 118 S. Park Ave., the space which once was home to the Emerald Hen Irish Pub and later the Black Swan Tavern. On the right, the recessed area is a temporary wall that will be removed and open up into The Alley Blues Bar. The new stage for The Alley is located at the back left of the photo. On the left, is the ramp and entrance into the old bus terminal/gas station next door that will become the new barbecue restaurant.

The new stage for The Alley.

Looking east near the new stage at 118 S. Park Ave.

Looking south into the barbecue restaurant (old bus terminal/gas station) from the entrance between the restaurant and 118 S. Park Ave.

The counter area of the barbecue restaurant.

Looking east from the counter area of the barbecue restaurant. At the back left (red wall) is the entrance into 118 S. Park Ave.